Key takeaways:

• The United States Environmental Protection Agency has issued a proposed rule under the Clean Air Act that would require existing power plants in all states to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030.
• The proposed rule is designed to give power generators flexibility in how they comply with the new standards; reductions can be achieved through fuel switching, renewable energy development, energy efficiency measures and participation in cap-and-trade programs.
• The EPA expects to issue final rules by June 2015.